As they mark the two-year anniversary of her death, Star Hobson's family say that they will 'never get over' their tragic loss.
When Star was just 16-months-old, she was brutally beaten to death by club bouncer Savannah Brockhill, 28, who was in a relationship with the toddler's mam.
Brockhill was in-turn jailed for a minimum term of 25 years for her part, and Star's mum - Frankie Smith, 20 - was also handed a 12 year sentence behind bars for causing, or allowing, the death. Although Frankie was initially only sentenced for eight years, the Court of Appeal extended this.
Read more: Star Hobson's mother who let lover murder baby is jailed for a further four years
The Daily Star reports that two years on from the toddler's tragic death, Smith is still in regular contact with her extended family - and tells them that she is 'heartbroken' by her decision to start a toxic relationship with Brockhill. The two began seeing each other after Smith and Star's father, Jordan Hobson - a University of Sunderland student - ended their relationship in 2019.
David Fawcett, Star’s great-grandfather says he is plagued by constant grief, adding: “It is something you will never get over”.
He said: “Some people said it will take time to get over, some other people said it is something you will never get over. We’re still struggling now. Anita has taken the worst of it. She cries every day over Star.
"She kisses a photo of Star on her fireplace first thing in the morning and last thing at night.
Anita, Star’s great-grandma, said the family plans to release balloons and lay flowers to commemorate Star’s life. She added: ‘My heart broke and it will never be mended. Star lived with us for three months. Anita did everything for Star. On the second anniversary, we are taking some balloons and flowers to her resting place.
"Her birthdays and the anniversary of her death are when we try to make it a special time. I’m surrounded by pictures of Star in my flat. I watch videos of her.”
Speaking today, David revealed he still regularly visited Frankie Smith in detention, adding that Brockhill had 'smashed this family to smithereens'. He said: “Brockhill got into Frankie’s head and took Star away from us. Savannah was calling all of the shots. Things just got worse. We were absolutely devastated.
“We try to stick together as a family. I go to visit Frankie, I go twice a month"
“Frankie will be OK," David added, "then she will ring me and she is heartbroken. She loved [Star]. She can’t believe she got into this relationship and caused this. Me and Frankie were very close. We did things like cycling and strawberry picking together.
"When Brockhill came along, she got into her head. I begged her to get away."
He added: “It’s just so sad. She just met the wrong person and turned all of our lives upside down.
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